By Don Lewis, Director of Licensing Advisory, Synergy Technical
I’m often brought in when a customer is trying to decide whether to renew their Enterprise Agreement or move to Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
That’s usually when the questions start:
“Is CSP really more flexible—or just more complicated?”
These are the right questions. And after decades in this business, I can say with confidence: the answers usually lead to opportunities to clean things up, reduce waste, and get better aligned with what the organization actually needs.
But here’s the thing—if you’re only looking at your licensing when a contract is expiring, you’re not getting ahead. You’re just reacting.
Read The Ultimate Guide: What is Microsoft CSP?
Licensing Isn’t Static—Your Business Isn’t Either
The way you licensed Microsoft products two or three years ago probably doesn’t match how your teams are working today. People come and go. Projects start and stop. You might be using fewer tools—or more than you realize. And Microsoft? They’ve changed the game more times than I can count since your last renewal.
That’s why a one-and-done review doesn’t cut it. Licensing isn’t something you fix once. It’s something you manage over time.
The Quiet Cost of Waiting
Most licensing waste doesn’t show up in flashing red lights.
It’s the E5 license assigned to someone who uses Outlook and Teams. The third-party product you didn’t realize Microsoft includes now. The add-on that made sense last year—but no one’s used since the pilot ended.
It creeps in quietly, month after month, and by the time renewal hits, it’s a six-figure problem. I’ve seen it too many times.
Proactive Reviews, Real Results
At Synergy Technical, we don’t treat licensing as a one-time clean-up. We treat it like a muscle: something that stays strong if you keep working it.
We stay engaged with our customers throughout the year—helping them adjust to changes in their environment, evaluate Microsoft’s constant SKU updates, and make smart decisions about where to invest and where to pull back.
We ask questions like:
- Are your licenses still aligned with actual job roles?
- Has Microsoft released new bundles or add-ons that consolidate what you’re already using?
- Have your user counts or business priorities changed since the last true-up?
- Is there funding or an incentive you’re eligible for—but haven’t used?
These aren’t “set it and forget it” answers. They require attention. But they pay off—sometimes significantly.
CSP Gives You More Control—But Also More Responsibility
With Microsoft moving away from the Enterprise Agreement for many customers, CSP is becoming the default path. It’s a great model—it gives you monthly or annual terms, flexibility in assignment, and the ability to scale up or down quickly.
But with that flexibility comes the need for more hands-on management. If no one’s watching the details, the costs sneak up. And unlike an EA, where there’s an annual reconciliation, CSP charges are real-time. Mistakes compound faster.
That’s why we treat licensing like part of your business rhythm—not a once-a-year scramble.
In Closing
I’ve worked on every side of this industry—at Microsoft, at an LSP, and now here at Synergy Technical. And I can tell you: the organizations that build regular licensing reviews into their operations don’t just save money—they make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and get more out of what they’re already paying for.
If you haven’t looked closely at your licensing since your last renewal, now’s the time. The tools are better. The options are broader. And you don’t have to wait for a renewal cycle to get more value.
And hey—if we clean a few things up along the way? I don’t hate that.
Ready to transform your licensing strategy? Contact us today to schedule a consultation, learn more about the Microsoft CSP licensing benefits, or start optimizing your Microsoft cloud services with a trusted partner by your side. Let’s modernize your cloud journey together!
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